🔗 Share this article

Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable